Pilot operation of ZALA unmanned systems for methane detection

The ZALA unmanned system was put into pilot operation at the gas transmission system facilities of Gazprom transgaz Ekaterinburg.

The work was carried out on behalf of PJSC Gazprom, the main objective being to ensure that the system functionality meets the company's requirements and to confirm its ability to promptly detect methane leaks on an industrial scale.

The infrastructure survey was carried out using ZALA 421-16E UAV at an altitude of 100 metres. A special target payload, the DLS-LA methane detector from Pergam-Engineering JSC, makes it possible to detect a methane leak during flight due to the high stabilisation of the device and separate it from the natural background. Data on the leak location is displayed on the monitor of the ground control station in real time.

As part of the pilot operation, the flight team surveyed more than 1,000 kilometres of gas transmission system communication corridors. The result was a proven technology ready for implementation.

Employees of Gazprom transgaz Ekaterinburg positively assessed the performance of ZALA unmanned systems. According to the company representatives, this is a cost-effective and efficient alternative to manned aviation.